OTIENO OKOTH FIDEL B.
RESEARCH OFFICER
KISUMU,Kenya
Summary
An Assistant Research Officer with over 9 years of successful experience in HIV prevention working with the National Government through NASCOP, MoH other stakeholders to provide technical support and leadership in developing guidelines and SOPs for population based programmes, and also provide mentorship in hubs and peripheral facilities across the Country. Recognized consistently for performance excellence and contributions to success in HIV monitoring, surveillance and prevention. Strengths in HIV research and Epidemiology backed by training in Epidemiology and Molecular, Microbiology and Biotechnology and Clinical Trial support.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Assistant Research Officer
KEMRI/CGHR, HIVR LABORATORY
KISUMU, KISUMU COUNTY
10.2014 - Current
- Worked closely with NASCOP to monitor Viral Loads of HIV infected individuals, maintain inventory and deliver quality results to hubs.
- Set and oversaw quality assurance guidelines for laboratory work.
- Reduced turnaround time on lab results from 10 days to 4 days through a robust work plan.
- Provided mentorship across 10 facilities and hubs in Homabay County through Amref and the MoH.
- Supported the MoH and NASCOP in the Recency Surveillance study as a Study Point of contact and Trainer of Trainers.
- Harmonized, reviewed and developed multiple SOPs within the section.
- Implemented TWG decisions within the laboratory for the betterment of the Patient Support Care.
- Was Key in the implementation of the Rapid Response Initiative (RRI) across the lab which involved a major scale up in Viral Load Testing.
- Led the team to participate successfully in multiple SANAAS,PPD and pSMILE laboratory audits and was key in maintaining ISO 15189 standards for re-accreditation.
- Lead the section to participate in Internal and external quality assurance evaluations.
Assistant Head of Section
KEMRI/CGHR
KISUMU, KISUMU COUNTY
09.2013 - Current
- Team lead in SANAS audit preparations at Viral load section.
- Team lead during Covid-19 testing shifts.
- Managed on-site evaluations, internal audits and customer surveys.
- Performed duties in accordance with applicable standards, policies and regulatory guidelines to promote safe working environment.
- Carried out day-day-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Resolved conflicts and negotiated mutually beneficial agreements between parties.
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
- Maintained energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment.
- Exceeded goals through effective task prioritization and great work ethic.
Industrial Attachment
Kenya Bureau of Standard
Nairobi, Nairobi County
04.2012 - 06.2012
- Attached to the Biochemistry labs and the Agriculture laboratory.
Competent in areas including: - Analysis of tea (Total ash, Acid Insoluble, water extract and water insoluble Ash)
- Analysis of animal feed stuff (Calcium content using titrimetric method, Phosphorus by gravimetric method) protein content in flour, crude oil and animal feeds.
- Preparation of standards and reagents.
- Analysis of free Alkali, available chlorine, total Fatty matter, active ingredient, mass insoluble in ethanol, use of viscometer and density meter.
- General housekeeping work.
Education
Master of Science - Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology
Maseno University
Maseno, KISUMU COUNTY 01.2015 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry
University of Eldoret (Formerly Moi University
Eldoret, UASIN GISHU. 08.2009 - 05.2013
Computer operator course - Information Technology
Maseno University
KISUMU COUNTY 02.2008 - 03.2008
High School Diploma -
St. Joseph’s School, RAPOGI
AWENDO, MIGORI COUNTY 01.2004 - 11.2007
Kenya Certificate of Primary Education -
Arya Primary School
KISUMU, KISUMU COUNTY 01.1996 - 01.2003
Skills
Strong knowledge and familiarity with cutting-edge HIV programmatic strategies with priority population
In-depth knowledge of Kenyan health system, including governmental and nongovernmental settings
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work well with others, including developing and maintaining compatibility among program staff, priority populations led organizations and networks
Articulate and able to communicate in a clear, professional manner with clients and staff
High degree of proficiency in communication, including presentation and training skills
Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage a high-volume workflow, adhere to timelines with minimal supervision, as well as to lead and work collaboratively with others
Excellent computer skills (MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
Fluent in written and spoken English and Kiswahili
Cultural Awareness
Accomplishments
- Resolved product issue through consumer testing.
- Achieved improved sample tracking by introducing Viral Load Section Database for Tracking Study samples.
- Collaborated with team of 4 colleagues in the development of Levey Jennings Control tool for plotting and monitoring assay controls.
- Supervised team of 11 staff members as an Assistant head of section.
- Mentored 10 hubs in Homabay County on Health Systems.
- Achieved reduced Turn AroundTime for Samples by completing backlog Testing with accuracy and efficiency.
- Trained the staff on File Management.
- Lead the section in preparations and participation in back to back successful audits.
Certification
Epidemiology and Biostatistics
HOBBIES
As a way to reboot and refresh, I find movies key in helping me escape the craziness that sometimes come with being too occupied with work. So a weekend of my favorite movies helps me refocus on my tasks ahead.
REFEREES
- DR. GEOFFREY MAIYOH
Lecturer- Biochemistry,
University of Eldoret,
P.O BOX 1125- 30100,
Eldoret.
Phone no: +254 713 592 879
Email: maiyoh07@yahoo.co
- Dr. Vivian C. Tuei
Lecturer- Biochemistry,
University of Eldoret,
P.O BOX 1125- 30100,
Eldoret.
Mobile No: +254 702 363 150
Email: vivtuei@yahoo.com
- Kennedy Odhiambo Were
DRT Section Head,
KEMRI/CDC HIV-R Lab,
P.O BOX 1578,
KISUMU.
Mobile no. +254 736 339 159
Email: ken6patch@yahoo.com
Timeline
Master of Science - Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology
Maseno University
01.2015 - Current
Assistant Research Officer
KEMRI/CGHR, HIVR LABORATORY
10.2014 - Current
Assistant Head of Section
KEMRI/CGHR
09.2013 - Current
Industrial Attachment
Kenya Bureau of Standard
04.2012 - 06.2012
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry
University of Eldoret (Formerly Moi University
08.2009 - 05.2013
Computer operator course - Information Technology
Maseno University
02.2008 - 03.2008
High School Diploma -
St. Joseph’s School, RAPOGI
01.2004 - 11.2007
Kenya Certificate of Primary Education -
Arya Primary School
01.1996 - 01.2003